Saudis Look to Change of Direction from King Fahd's Successor--UK

[Gloria]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=642322


Saudis look to change of direction from King Fahd's successor
By Mark Hollingsworth and Raymond Whitaker

29 May 2005


(snip)

The question of succession is not expected to cause disruption. The designated heir, Crown Prince Abdullah, has been running the kingdom's day-to-day affairs since his half-brother's stroke. But once he is king there may be a sharp change in the style and direction of Saudi policy.

Since King Fahd's stroke more than nine years ago, Saudi Arabia has been handicapped by a power struggle between the old guard, led by the Defence Minister, Prince Sultan, who would become Crown Prince in any succession, and the reformist wing, led by Prince Abdullah. While any conflict in the world's biggest oil producer might spark a short-term increase in prices, Abdullah's ascent to the throne is expected to improve the prospects for greater stability in the Middle East.

He has overseen a crackdown on al-Qa'ida, which has waged a campaign of suicide attacks, hostage-taking and assassinations, often against Western targets. The struggle has intensified since the network and its leader, Osama bin Laden, who himself had links to the Saudi royal family, were ousted from their strongholds in Afghanistan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

The crown prince represents the Bedouin, conservative, tribal interests in the kingdom, out of sympathy with the often corrupt and pro-Western outlook of much of the royal family. He would be a pragmatic king who would seek to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependency on America in order to improve the prospect of peace in the Middle East.

As an upholder of "true Islam", it is hoped that he would be in a better position to deal with the Islamist militants who denounce the royal family as venal American puppets. He is popular with the Saudi public, which views him as straight-talking and honest.

[pinto]

1. Just my opinion, but doesn't this article read like a press release?

(on edit)Yet, in a way, it highlights the limited mainstream info or discussion about our relationship with the Saudis.

[lovuian]

3. I agree!!! Is there ANY other possiblities out there!!!

Did he inherit this or where is King Fahd's kiddo's shouldn't they be the next King???

[napi21]

2. As I understand it, Abdulla would be the successor.

I heard a report yesterday that said the name of who his successor would be is undetermined, so who is this Prince Sultan?

I don't understand anything about how things work in the kingdom of Saud.

[Maple]

4. The 'royal' family

chooses the successor. So you have to curry favor with them if you want to get anywhere.

Abdullah is Fahds brother, and about the same age

I should have added that Prince Sultan is the second deputy premier, and minister of defense. He is only slightly younger than Fahd and Abdullah...and is also the father of Prince Bandar